Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 6

Written Answers. - Treaty on European Union.

Phil Hogan

Question:

68 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself that the new procedures regarding Council of Ministers decision-making powers following the Maastricht amendments will not impede progress on the implementation of EC environmental programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Smith)

The new Treaty on European Union is designed to strengthen environmental decision making by extending majority voting to most environmental issues. This is in line with the Dublin Declaration on the Environment, 1990, promoted by the Irish Presidency, which called for accelerated decision making on environmental legislation.